THANK YOU!

Former NSW politician Eddie Obeid famously declared there was a “one per cent” chance of criminal charges being brought against him after adverse findings by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).

Now, Mr Obeid faces a lengthy prison sentence after being found guilty of misconduct in public office.

Obeid’s lawyers tried to have his charges permanently stayed (indefinitely put off) in April, arguing they were invalid and that the Supreme Court had no power to hear them, but the application was refused.

The charges relate to Obeid’s lobbying of a senior maritime official over café leases at popular Sydney tourism and dining strip Circular Quay while he was a member of the NSW Upper House.

During the trial, the Supreme Court heard Obeid had made representations between August and November 2007 to the NSW Maritime Authority’s Deputy Chief Executive Steve Dunn over the leases, with the intention of seeking a beneficial outcome, and that he failed to disclose his personal financial interest in the cafes.

Prosecutors argued that Obeid duped Mr Dunn into believing he was acting on behalf of constituents, when he and his family were actually receiving 90 per cent of the profits from the businesses.

It took the jury less than 24 hours to return a guilty verdict. Obeid, now 72, is currently on a parliamentary pension of $120,000 per year, although NSW Premier Mike Baird says he is seeking advice on whether the pension can be revoked.

“The justice system has operated and the verdict speaks for itself. I have zero tolerance for corruption in New South Wales, and zero sympathy for those who are found guilty of it,” Mr Baird said.